The Music of Miles Davis

The May 11 Jazz Unlimited will be “The Music of Miles Davis.” Born in Alton, Il., and raised in East St. Louis, trumpeter Miles Davis (1926-1991) was a restless soul, changing the music of the 20th century four times. Miles played with Charlie Parker early in his career and went on to found the “cool jazz” style around 1949. By 1959, Miles was the first bandleader to use modes (scales) instead of chords as a basis for improvisation. In 1964, he founded a style known as “Free Bop” or as some called it, “time, no changes.” He led the music into jazz-rock with his recordings “In a Silent Way” and “Bitches Brew.” His last years were spent playing electronic music.

This Archive of the show will be available until the morning of May 19, 2014.

Here is a video from "Robert Herridge Theater" in 1959. Miles Davis (tp) John Coltrane (ts) Wynton Kelly (p) Paul Chambers (b) and Jimmy Cobb drums playing "So What" with members of the Gil Evans Orchestra.